-ALL KINDS OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL KINDS OF WOMEN-
We are a small and friendly WI which meets in Hollingbourne (Kent) Village Hall on 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm.
You will find a warm welcome,interesting speakers
and the chance to learn new skills and interests. There are events you can join locally or nationally amongst a membership of over 210,000 women. We have a lot to offer - come along and meet us - for more details ring 01622 880497 or hollingbournewi@hotmail.co.uk

NEXT TWO MONTH'S MEETINGS

- 18th August - 12:30: Picnic at Trout Farm (Harrietsham)

- 19th September - 8:15: The Ups & Downs of a Wedding Photographer by John Yarrow.

Thursday, 22 September 2011

Our Cookery Demonstration was full of fun, and we were full of food at the end. Marianne Ball made some recipes on site, but also offered some she had 'made earlier' with last minute embellishments. Once each was completed, Mary (her lovely assistant) cut the dish into 27 portions and we munched our way throughout the evening.

Left Pear and Stilton Toasties - Right Peaches in Macaroon Meringue.

Marianne was not one for sticking rigidly to the recipe and said that we should be flexible especially in our buying - using foods 'on offer' or two for one, to get a gourmet meal at a budget price. Those of you who want to get all 13 recipes should come along to next Month's meeting, (Talk - Chile and Argentina) but here are two for you to try in the meantime - One very spicy and one deliciously creamy and refreshing.

Patatas Bravas (wild potatoes) - Serves 2.

Slice a 175g/6oz piece of Chorizo and dry fry in a large frying pan for a minute. Add 350g/12oz new potatoes and cook for 5 minutes until golden. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 seeded and sliced fresh chilli and 1 chopped garlic clove and cook for 2 minutes. Tip in a 400g can chopped tomatoes, and simmer for 10 -15 mins until the potatoes are tender.

Easy Lemon Ice cream Serves 4 (or more)

Finely grate the zest of 3 large lemons, and juice them. Place the zest and juice in a bowl, stir in 175g/6oz icing sugar and set aside for half an hour. Meanwhile whip 600ml/1 pint double cream with 2 tablespoons iced water until you have soft peaks, then beat in the lemon mixture until combined.( If you have an ice cream maker, churn and freeze the mixture according to the instructions) Otherwise, you can simply transfer the mixture to a plastic container and place in the freezer until firm. Remove 15 minutes before serving.

Sunday, 18 September 2011

Northdowns District has 9 W.I's and from Time to Time we get together to enjoy ourselves.

In September 2011 we took a trip on the MV Pocahontas from Gravesend, via Greenwich to Westminster on the River Thames. (plus return to Gravesend)The Ship seems bigger than it looks with seats for all on one of three levels. Food and drink can be bought on board or packed lunches can be taken on board to enjoy as the day goes on.

Gravesend town may seem all one way streets and hussle and bustle,

but on the river all was calm.

though the River Police were zooming around and in this case caught up with people using skidoos too fast and in the wrong area.

We passed ships of all kinds - here a small container ship

A New view of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge (The Dartford Crossing)

What appeard to be a 'Rust Bucket' but was in fact a working dredger.

Several Thames Barges in full sail.

and we passed through the Thames Flood barrier with the gates open. Take the opportunity on 9th October to see the barrier closed all the way across. There is a car park on the south side of the Thames with a visitor centre which will give an excellent view. 5.25am to 15.25pm.We stopped at Greenwich for travellers to get on and off. As it was exactly 12 we were able to see the Time Ball on the top of the Greenwich Observatory rise and fall to indicate the time.(see the small church like building above the trees in the middle)

ABRAMOVICH' yacht - The small one apparently) was moored in sight of a new building.(see next picture)

For those of you who don't know, he is a Russian, and the Owner and Chairman of Chelsea Football ClubTHE SHARD - to me it looks like a glass windmill without the sails to see.- But no doubt people will pay millions to live in it.Passing The Tower of London, WI Members from Lenham & Bearsted Green

(Lenham Institute are not in the Northdowns District but we had invited them along as well)Beneath the London Eye, A Bearsted and Thurnham husband enjoying the view.Inge from Lenham, passing Big Ben and The Palace of Westminster. This was as far as we went, as it was a high tide, and there river level was also high due to previous rain, and we could not get under Westminster Bridge.Throughout the journey upstream we had a constant commentary explaining the names of the places we passed - their history, who had or had not given the agreement for planning (and whether our man agreed with them or not), where the RSPB sites were etc etc. The names and ages of the ships, the creeks and docks and so much more. He was a mine of information having worked on the Thames from around 1960. When we passed vessels such as The Portway above, our 'hooter' was sounded and they responded.

It really is a day to remember. The season ends this month, but make sure you take the trip next year, you will not regret it. - So much to see and you don't have to stand up or walk - what ever your age you will be sure to enjoy it. 01732 353448

With 44 stalls on the map, plus a few late comers, this year's Safari promised much!

The weather also provided much - sun, rain, cloud, more rain, sun, more rain, but finally it cleared up at 3pm.- our finishing time, but just right for the Meadows Garden Party which started at 3.

There were stalls that grew and grew.

Stalls with great PR, which were determined to make themselves known,

even if they were 50 yards back from the main road

There were those that catered for children with indepth knowledge of each game.- and also realised that at some time or another that a Tent would be essential before the day was out.

There were all kinds of fabulous tents - one was not enough

and two more

In the Cardwell Pavilion Joyce Walker was cooking up tasty filled rolls - sausage or bacon. She roped in her daughter and her granddaughter to help and our thanks go to them.

The tea-makers, Hilary, Joyce, Jane, Rita and Janice provided a much needed service.

This year we staged an Art Display/Sale with exhibits from village and

Institute Members. Sylvia Snowdon's husband George brought along

some lovely examples of his watercolours.

Madginford WI provided a mouthwatering display of cakes in a Gazebo on the field, but when the rain came down retreated to the Pavilion.

Leeds WI had not only cakes, but pickles, jam and vegetables. -

They again found shelter on the Pavilion's verandah.

This picture says it all! with the stall holders Barbara and Edre, at the same time happy and disgusted. To fully appreciate their expression you need to get this full size on your screens.

The competition for the most visited stalls, was won by Ruby Jeffrey. Continuing the art theme, each stall had a picture of ' An Old Master' which the competitor had to note, and the prize was a JigSaw of THE MONA LISA.

Sunday, 11 September 2011

Marianne Ball returns to give a demonstration of Seasonal Cooking, at our September Meeting, using easily sourced ingredients. These recipes can be used time and again and will become family favourites. This will be followed by tastings and recipe sheets will be available.